Every September, Bonn pays tribute to its most famous son with the Beethovenfest. The famous composer’s open-mindedness is also reflected in the festival program: While Beethoven is, of course, the focal point of the event named after him, the festival organizers come up with a new thematic focus each year that goes well beyond the boundaries of his work, highlighting, for example, Beethoven’s influence on the Romantic period or the musician Franz Liszt, the co-initiator of the first Beethovenfest in Bonn.
A Festival with a Rich History
The festival, which has since earned a worldwide reputation, has been in existence since 1845. The occasion for the celebrations was Beethoven’s birthday. He would have turned 75 this year had he not died in 1827. In its current form, concentrated over four weeks in the fall, the festival has existed since 1999.
In addition to Beethoven’s sonatas, string quartets, and symphonies in exceptional interpretations, special attention is given to supporting contemporary music. Each year, the Beethovenfest therefore commissions new compositions and premieres numerous works.
In total, the festival offers over 80 concerts each year at more than 25 venues. In addition to the stages in the Old Town and, of course, the Beethoven House—the composer’s birthplace—these venues also include romantic settings, castles, and churches in the surrounding area.
The performing artists regularly include the stars of the current classical music scene. Many of them develop programs exclusively for the Bonn audience that relate to the season’s theme.
Since 2022, Steven Walter has served as artistic director of the Beethovenfest Bonn. The young German-American studied cello in Oslo and Detmold and founded the “Podium” festival in Esslingen in 2009, which has since grown into one of Europe’s leading music festivals. He is regarded as a musical visionary and an exceptional talent.
Two editions in 2027
The Beethovenfest Bonn will be dedicated entirely to the 200th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven’s death (March 26, 1827) in 2027 and will take place in a two-part format for the first time. First, guests can look forward to the Beethoven Spring, which will be held from March 18 to April 4, 2027. The newly renovated Beethovenhalle, the Beethoven House, and the Bonn Opera will serve as the main venues. Additionally, the regular Beethovenfest will take place in the fall, from September 2 to October 2, 2027.
